Argon ONE V3 M.2 NVMe PCIe Case for RPi 5

Note: NVMe 2280 M-Key MakerDisk SSD 512GB, 256GB, and 128GB shipped from 1st January 2024 onwards are loaded with the latest Raspberry Pi OS (64-bit) - Bookworm (release date: 5th December 2023). We have tested all capacities of MakerDisk NVMe 2242 with this case and Raspberry Pi 5, and they all work.

Note: The bootloader of Raspberry Pi 5 needs to be updated to Version: 30de0ba5 – 2024/01/5 to enable the NVMe driver and boot from it.  Please refer to this tutorial to update the bootloader of Raspberry Pi 5. Of course, you will need a microSD card to do that.

Note: Having problem to power up the case? Ensure proper connection by attaching the HDMI-POWER board to the Raspberry Pi 5 until you hear a 'click' sound on the USB-C port.

The Argon ONE V3 Case has been upgraded for compatibility with the Raspberry Pi 5, featuring a sleek black finish and enhanced features. The active cooling system now boasts a blower-type PWM programmable 30mm fan, strategically repositioned within the case for quieter operation. Passive cooling is further improved with the addition of a heatsink on the power management chip of the Raspberry Pi 5, complementing the existing CPU heatsink to address potential heat concerns during intensive use.

We conducted a thermal stress test with the Raspberry Pi 5 (8GB RAM) paired with the Argon One V3 Case, and even when the RPi5 is overclocked to 3.0GHz, it remains cool. The heat dissipation is truly remarkable!

The Raspberry Pi 5 benefits from improved communication and power management through the Raspberry Pi's RP2040 chip, which controls various features and functions of the Argon ONE V3. The power button at the back facilitates versatile functionality, including safe shutdowns, reboots, and forced shutdowns, thanks to the open-sourced script. This script allows users to customize the Argon ONE V3's power-related actions, such as manual or automatic booting after a power outage by setting the jumper pins inside the case.

Cable management remains streamlined with two neatly positioned full-sized HDMI ports at the back, enabling the Raspberry Pi 5 to support dual monitors. The magnetic cover provides convenient access to the custom color-coded GPIO pins, while the built-in IR receiver ensures compatibility with the Argon IR remote, enhancing its capabilities as a media player. Additionally, users can enjoy audio accessories with the optional 3.5mm audio jack via the internal DAC audio board upgrade, available in a separate listing.

What's particularly special about this Argon One case is its optional M.2 NVMe base, perfect for makers looking to elevate their Raspberry Pi 5 experience with a MakerDisk SSD. The NVMe base connects to your Raspberry Pi 5 via the PCIe connector, allowing you to utilize M.2 NVMe storage for media, games, and more. You can boot your Raspberry Pi 5 from fast NVMe storage or use it alongside a MicroSD card OS for storage purposes. 

Note: You will need to use an official 27W Raspberry Pi power supply with this case to ensure sufficient power for the Raspberry Pi, case, and NVMe base.

PCIe Speed Test (using Raspberry Pi 5 8GB RAM & NVMe 2280 MakerDisk 256GB SSD)

Gen 2 (Default)

Gen 3

Using Pibenchmark

Gen 2 (Default)

Gen 3

Argon One V3 Case

• Compatibility: Works with Raspberry Pi 5, comes in a new sleek black finish.
• Cooling Upgrade: Quieter and more effective cooling with a new fan design and heatsinks for both the CPU and power management chip.
• Communication and Control: Improved communication and power control with Raspberry Pi 5 through the RP2040 chip, allowing customized functions like fan speed and power management.
• Convenient Power Button: Easy-to-use power button at the back for safe shutdowns, reboots, and more, customizable with an open-sourced script.
• Dual Monitor Support: Two full-sized HDMI ports for dual monitor setup with Raspberry Pi 5.
• Sleek Design Features: Magnetic cover for easy access, color-coded GPIO pins, and a built-in IR receiver for use with the Argon IR remote.
• Audio Options: Optional 3.5mm audio jack via the internal DAC audio board upgrade (not included, coming soon)

M.2 NVMe Base

• Boot your Raspberry Pi 5 from NVMe MakerDisk M.2 SSD
• Built-in heatsink for your NVME SSD 
• Enjoy faster and higher storage access by connecting NVME SSD via the PCIe slot on the Raspberry Pi 5
• Versatile M.2 NVME support compatible with any M.2 NVME with M-Key up to 2280 size
• Greater thermal management on M.2 NVME with included aluminum heatsink specific to M.2 drive to keep it cool, efficient and working longer
• Reliable and consistent data transfer with included FPC impedance controlled cable

Case + NVMe Base + MakerDisk SSD

• 1 x Argon ONE V3 Case
• 1 x Argon ONE M.2 NVME Base
• 1 x 512GB / 256GB / 128GB NVMe 2280 M-Key MakerDisk SSD (Raspberry Pi OS Ready)
• 3 x Silicon Thermal Pads
• 2 x Set of Footer
• 8 x Screws
• 2 x Flat Head Screws
• 2 x PCIe FFC Cable
• 2 x Instruction Manual (not shown in the picture)

Case + NVMe Base

• 1 x Argon ONE V3 Case
• 1 x Argon ONE M.2 NVME Base
• 3 x Silicon Thermal Pads
• 2 x Set of Footer
• 8 x Screws
• 2 x Flat Head Screws
• 2 x PCIe FFC Cable
• 2 x Instruction Manual (not shown in the picture)

Case Only

• 1 x Argon ONE V3 Case
• 2 x Silicon Thermal Pads
• 1 x Set of Footer
• 4 x Screws
• 2 x Flat Head Screws
• 1 x Instruction Manual (not shown in the picture)

NVMe Base Only

• 1 x Argon ONE M.2 NVME Base
• 1 x Silicon Thermal Pads (inside the base)
• 1 x Set of Footer
• 4 x Screws
• 2 x PCIe FFC Cable
• 1 x Instruction Manual (not shown in the picture)

• Argon ONE V3 Manual
• Update Bootloader and Boot from NVMe SSD, tutorial by Cytron
• Raspberry Pi 5 PCIe